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It was good for Michael Richards to make a quick apology for his outburst. In viewing the YouTube clip a second time, I think he was trying to be funny at first, but then got frustrated when it blew up in his face, and from then on it was a meltdown.
I felt his apology was sincere, although I am surprised that he twice referred to Afro-Americans, when the correct term is African-Americans.
Michael Richards on David Letterman's Late Show:
"For me to be at a comedy club and flip out and say this crap, I'm deeply, deeply sorry. I'm not a racist. That's what's so insane about this."
Kenny Kramer (the real life person the Kramer character was based on) commented that "He had a tantrum. Michael is not racist; he is just not a very streetwise performer". Comedian George Lopez said that he believed the reason for the outburst was Richards' inexperience in stand-up comedy and dealing with hecklers. As a result Richards was permanently banned from performing at any of the Laugh Factory comedy clubs. (From Wikipedia)
Having lived as a racial minority in another country and being married to an Asian woman has probably made me a little more aware about race issues and less prone to making racially insensitive remarks. Because racism can be a very sensitive issue, I tend to stay away from racist jokes, and do not condone racism in others.
Ending racism and other forms of discrimination requires education and introspection, as well as self-respect and mutual respect.
On the other hand, comedy is a good way for people to poke fun at issues such as racism, and to confront our attitudes about difficult subjects.
Somtimes instances such as this can serve as a way for people to pause and reflect and hopefully become better people as a result of that process.
Michael Richards is actually a pretty bright guy so I doubt that he will make the same mistake twice.
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